Review- Winter Jam 2008, Tour Spectacular- Fort Wayne, Indiana

The 'Winter Jam 2008- Tour Spectacular' made its way to The Allen County Memorial War Coliseum Friday night March 7th. "Winter Jam' is Christan music's largest annual tour, now in its 13th year. This years line up definitely didn't disappoint the over 10,00 fans that came out and PACKED the coliseum for the performance.

'Group 1 Crew' and 'Pure NRG' played while many of us were still searching for an empty seat through out the coliseum. Being a 'general admission' concert it was a little difficult at times to find more than two seats together due to how quickly the coliseum filled up. 'group 1 crew' and 'Pure NRG' did a great job getting everyone ready for night, with there intense music you could really feel the excitement in the air!

The 'Real Encounter BMX/skate team' officially got the evening kicked off- with there flips and high flying stunts they had the audiences attention right away! It was a great start to an evening that was filled with energy as much as it was music!

Next to take the stage was 'Mandisa' you may remember her from 'American Idol'. She has come a long way since then, Mandisa's debut CD, 'True Beauty' entered at no. 1 on Soundscan's Christian/Gospel chart. And her performance on Friday left no doubt in anyones mind why. Mandisa was great- with amazing vocals and a truly humble spirit.

Dove award winning and Grammy nominated 'Newsong' followed Mandisa and their performance was just as wonderful. Many of the songs they sung were 'praise and worship' staples which really got the audience involved in what turned out to be a great night of worship.

Hard rockin' 'Skillet' was up next to perform. 'Skillet was amazing! With there high energy heavy rock sound and an awesome pyrotechnic display the crowd was definitely into there performance, its no wonder why Skillet is getting noticed not only in the world of Christian music but also mainstream music as well.

Having sold over 65,000 albums the all girl trio ' Barlow Girl' from Chicago, IL. also had a great performance and definitely showed everyone that girls can definitely rock too!

In between musical acts Evangelist, speaker and author 'Tony Nolan' shared the 'Good News' with concert goers. Tony was hilarious, and at times more comedian that Pastor. Tony's humor and laid back style kept his message relevant and captivating for all ages.

'Mercy Me' finished up the concert in what seemed like a rather short but sweet performance of some of there biggest selling hits. The stage was made larger and the videos screens turned on which led to some great interactive media for the audience. Mercy Me having so many great songs could have entertained the audience all night, but the songs they did chose to sing were performed with energy and pure amazing vocals. They brought an end to 'Winter Jam 2008' -Fort Wayne but not before singing a remixed version of there 'main stream' hit ' I can only imagine'- which led fans to think..." I can only imagine, what Winter Jam 2009 will have in store for us".